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“An abundant life does not consist of the abundance of stuff.”

A thought by Jentezen Franklin from his book, Love Like You've Never Been Hurt: Hope, Healing and the Power of an Open Heart. Baker Publishing Group. Kindle Edition. (Click on the book title to go to Amazon.com to buy the book.) 

But that is not what we think, is it?  Abundant stuff = abundant life.  But does it?

Jentezen says, “The world does not place much value on relationships. It tells us money is important. Titles are important. The right zip code is important. Looks are important. Fast cars and big homes are important.”

He goes on, “Do you remember when Jesus was asked what the greatest commandment was? ‘He replied, “‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’”  This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: “‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself’” (Matthew 22:37–39 NKJV).

“Here Jesus emphasized in a big way the importance of relationships. This is what life is about—loving God, loving ourselves and loving others.”

He then says, “I get what it’s like to be hurt. I’m not telling you to do something I have not done myself—and even made mistakes along the way trying. I know the temptation to not want to let go of hurt or disappointment.

“My marriage has had severe tests and struggles, and so has my family. In writing this book, my wife and I decided to share some things we have never shared before. We determined we don’t have to keep up a ministerial front. Life gets real! At times I felt unqualified to preach to others because my own marriage and family were going through hell.

“What I learned was if you’re going through hell, don’t stop there. Keep going ’til you get to the other side.

“I have discovered that trouble is one of God’s great servants because it reminds us how much we continually need Him. God is not put off by our struggles. He says I’ll help you. I really will. When you have gone as far as you can, you have just pulled up into God’s driveway. When you are ready to throw up your hands, throw them up to Him.”

Jentezen says, “It is time to let Him give you a new beginning. It is time to let God bind up your bruises and heal your wounds.

“I love these words written by the ancient prophet: ‘Moreover the light of the moon will be as the light of the sun, and the light of the sun will be sevenfold, as the light of seven days, in the day that the LORD binds up the bruise of His people and heals the stroke of their wound.’  Isaiah 30:26 NKJV

“If you let God heal your wounded places, your nights will become like days and your days will shine seven times brighter.”

Is that what you want today?  So, would you let God heal your wounded places?  Would you?


Yes, yes!
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